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Solid Earth sciences encompass the study of the crust, mantle and core of the Earth and other rocky planetary bodies. Earth sciences include petrology, mineralogy, seismology, core studies, mantle dynamics, tectonics, volcanology, metamorphism, sedimentology, geomagnetism, palaeomagnetism, hydrogeology, and geomorphology. Sedimentary rocks are also used to study palaeontology and palaeoclimate.
What stabilized and strengthened the oldest, most robust blocks of continental crust billions of years ago during the Archaean eon has long been a mystery. It seems that a surprise helping hand might have come from the air above.
The trace-element compositions of mantle-derived basalts suggest that the asthenosphere has two distinct melt layers, with unique chemical compositions and physical properties.
A critical compositional factor influences the rheological evolution and crystallization timescales of basalts under disequilibrium conditions, according to cooling rate deformation experiments carried out on Stromboli melt.
Explosive volcanic eruptions of Kīlauea in Hawaii can be explained by sudden subsidence of reservoir roof rock causing gas and lithic debris venting by a mechanism similar to that of a stomp rocket, according to seismic inversions for reservoir pressure changes.
The field remains an unsafe and isolating workplace for many. We present resources to empower and guide researchers towards safer, more inclusive, and more equitable fieldwork practice.
Hydrous minerals within the Earth affect volatile cycling and mantle geodynamics. Jun Tsuchiya explains how stable phases of these minerals are being uncovered at increasingly high pressures.
What stabilized and strengthened the oldest, most robust blocks of continental crust billions of years ago during the Archaean eon has long been a mystery. It seems that a surprise helping hand might have come from the air above.